The W opens Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center
Mississippi University for Women Athletics officially celebrated the opening of the Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The center is a transformational 3,200-square-foot academic facility designed to elevate the student-athlete experience.
“The Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center represents our continued commitment to investing in the whole student experience. This space reflects what is possible when alumni generosity and institutional priorities align to support student success,” said University President Nora Miller.
The ribbon-cutting event featured remarks from university officials, including President Miller, Director of Athletics Buddy Foster, Executive Director of MUW Foundation Elise Wilson, Chair of MUW Foundation Deborah Hodges, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dean Burrows and President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Avery Watts.
Rebecca “Becky” Smith and Sandy Holland, the namesake of the space, were also in attendance and spoke to an audience of faculty, staff and community members.
Located on the second floor of the Hogarth Student Center and adjacent to Owls Athletics, the Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center offers a centralized location dedicated to academic performance and student success for all 17 Owls athletic teams.
“This is the most significant donation to date since we have reintroduced athletics,” said Foster. “Thanks to the generosity of Sandy Holland and Becky Smith, the new space will have a wide-ranging impact on our student-athletes.”
The center features the first-ever film room for Owls Athletics, including chair-back, theater-style seating and a projector for film study, programming or presentations. The lounge zone provides a space where student-athletes can relax between classes or before practice with couches, a TV and a kitchenette. The academic zone includes four conference-style tables and approximately 40 chairs for small-group settings. Desks are also available to provide individual study stations with charging ports and individual lamps.
Athletic branding was added throughout the center, including the stage floor, chairs, tables, couches and walls. A brag board was also added to track yearly athletic statistics of student-athletes.
To create the Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center, the MUW Foundation and Owls Athletics collaborated to develop the plan, incorporating feedback from student-athletes. Renovations included individual lighting, updated electrical work, new flooring and a fresh coat of paint.
The Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center recognizes the contributions of alumni Holland and Smith to Owls Athletics and the university.
Holland, class of 1986, was a member of the university’s softball (1983-1985) and tennis teams (1985 to 1986). Smith, a 1983 graduate of The W, was a member of the D’Belle Social Club and the Wesley Foundation and served as president of Kappa Pi. In addition, Holland and Smith have generously contributed funding for special needs projects across campus.
A hollow often refers to a natural opening found in the trunk or branch of a tree. Hollows offer sheltered locations for owls to roost, nest and raise their young. The name Holland Hollow Student-Athlete Center represents a supportive environment where student-athletes can recharge, develop and prepare for the field, classroom and beyond.